After the Election

The election has come and gone. What now?

To answer that question, I am relying on the wisdom of two articles that appeared in my inbox just before the election. One is by Amy Julia Becker, a Princeton Seminary graduate and disability advocate. The other is by emilie boggis, who some of you know from the LeaderWise consulting group.

If you are disappointed in the results, it’s OK to feel disappointed. Accept the outcome, not only because democracy depends on accepting adverse outcomes, but also because Christian hope isn’t centered on election results. Our hope is in the coming of Christ’s reign of justice and peace. Live out Christ’s joy, justice, and compassion in your interpersonal relationships and in the public square. Hold our elected leaders accountable when they fall short of governing in just and compassionate ways.

If you are pleased with the election results, be magnanimous and gracious. Remember that our ultimate loyalty is to Jesus Christ, not to any human authority. Politicians will inevitably fail us, even the ones we vote for and are satisfied with. They are human beings prone to sin like all humans are. When they fall short, join your sisters and brothers across the aisle in holding them accountable.

For everyone, remember that our civic duties aren’t limited to voting. We also pay taxes. We serve on juries. Another place where civic duty and Christian calling overlap is to get out of our comfort zones and interact with fellow citizens who are in a very different place from us.

Two ways quickly come to mind. One is our “Good Ladies” ministry. Every Friday, women (and one man!) from our church visit women in the Camden County jail. They pray with them, chat with them, and bring their prayer requests to us for Sunday worship. Interested? Click here to let us know. 

A second way is the St. Wilfrid’s ministry. Every other weekend we and our friends at Grace Episcopal Church gather food and clothing and distribute these goods to people in need in Camden. It’s a mutual ministry. You’ll work with people who themselves have received food or clothing from this ministry. Interested? Click here to find out more. 

Here is a third way. Maybe that person who is in a very different place is someone whose worldview is worlds apart from yours. Begin a conversation with them by imagining it will end with both of you saying, “Let’s talk again.” That imagined outcome may help you speak with greater thoughtfulness and civility. It takes two to execute this strategy successfully, so it may not always work. But trust is in short supply right now. Having honest, thoughtful conversations is one contribution we can make to restoring our tattered social fabric.

You will learn something new by getting closer to people who are far away from you. Whatever it is that you learn, act on it. The world will be better because you acted.

Grace and peace to you,
Marvin